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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – New Superintendent of Schools Brian Osborne will be on hand to meet and greet parents next week at a welcome reception honoring his appointment as he continues his transition from New Jersey to New Rochelle.

Osborne
, who officially takes over for interim Superintendent Jeffrey Korostoff on Tuesday,
July 1
, comes to New Rochelle by way of the South Orange-Maplewood schools. He was announced as the permanent replacement on June 3. This will be his first time back in the district since being sworn in and spending back-to-back days touring the district visiting all 11 New Rochelle schools.

Though he has vowed to take time observing and listening to district stakeholders who have preceded him, the bi-lingual superintendent has a clear vision for New Rochelle schools that includes promoting a culture of lifelong learning, a vision he follows himself.

At his last stop, Osborne learned several Haitian phrases, due to a large Haitian culture in the area. With a large Spanish speaking population in and around New Rochelle, he said he believes that he already has a leg up by being fluent.

“The largest group of students is Latino, and there a huge Spanish speaking population, so (being bi-lingual) is definitely a benefit,” he said. “It has helped me to learn and to grow, and I’m looking forward to brushing back up on it.”

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, technology has become an important tool for educators. Once he gets settled into his new district, Osborne has shown intrigue over the possibilities improved technology and devices present in the classroom.

“I’m excited about how ubiquitous devices are becoming. Something like Chromebooks allow students a portal into the world wide web and all the world’s information,” he said. “Technology can never replace teachers, but utilizing it can change the way we teach. I love it because it keeps me learning and connected with the kids and teachers.”

During his time at South Orange-Maplewood, Osborne oversaw a district that reduced suspensions, increased student performance and created additional avenues to help prepare students for college during his seven-year tenure.

In his
resignation
letter from his former position, Osborne made note that a superintendent is never done learning, no matter their age or experience.

“I am grateful that so many of you generously understood that the superintendent is another learner in a learning organization, and allowed me to learn with you,” he wrote. “Like South Orange-Maplewood, New Rochelle cherishes public education, values diversity and strives to prepare every student to thrive in a dynamic, fast-changing world.”

The welcome
reception
honoring Osborne will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at the high school cafeteria.